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DESCRIPTIVE AND ILLUSTRATED 



CATALOGUE 



SCHOOL FURNITURE, 



MANUFACTURED AND SOLD BY 



GEO. & C. W. SHERWOOD, 



CHICAGO. 



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CHICAGO : 

(t£j TRIBUNE COMPANY'S BOOK AND JOB PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT. F & 




No. 51 Clark Street. 
1864. 



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DESCRIPTIVE AND ILLUSTRATED 



CATALOGUE 



OF 



SCHOOL FURNITURE, 



MANUFACTURED AND SOLD BY 



GEO. & C. W. SHERWOOD, 



CHICAGO 



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CHICAGO: 

TRIBUNE COMPANY'S BOOK AND JOB PRINTING- ESTABLISHMENT, 
No. 51 Clark Street. 

1864. 







Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1864, 

By GrEO. & C. W. SHERWOOD, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the 
Northern District of Dlinois. 



X&2 4 






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. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The Improved School Furniture is usually made of cherry, the 
desks having iron ends or stands which may be fastened to the floor, 
and the chairs having an iron pedestal, also to be screwed to the floor. 
Both desks and chairs are graded for different ages of pupils. The 
iron and wood parts are packed separately, to save freight and to pre- 
vent marring in transportation. 

Good furniture can only be made by workmen experienced in this 
branch of work. The lumber needs to be seasoned beyond the possi- 
bility of shrinkage, as no furniture is exposed to greater heat. A 
heavy outlay is required to make patterns for the different sizes and 
styles of castings, and the proper width, length and highth of each desk 
are as essential to comfort and economy as to taste. Consequently the 
manufacture of school furniture has become a regular and extensive 
business, requiring a large outlay of capital, a constant force of good 
workmen, steam power, and all the necessary machinery by which the 
work may be done well and cheaply. No argument is needed to show 
that such an establishment can make the furniture better and cheaper 
than it can be made otherwise. 

Still, instances sometimes occur where committees adopt the error of 
supposing that this kind of furniture can be made by any person, though 
destitute of such exact experience and equipments as are absolutely 
necessary to the work. Under the influence of this delusion, contracts 
have been made with persons whose knowledge of the matter depended 
mainly upon the engravings and prices taken from some catalogue, and 
who did not duly consider the advantage of tested models, with ma- 
chinery and steam power, in the beauty, accuracy and economy of 
manufacturing. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The consequences of such an oversight are natural and certain. If 
the contractor is faithful, he is a loser, without success. The com- 
mittee find, when too late, that they get articles every way inferior. 
They are mortified and censured, the parents are chagrined and dis- 
pirited, the reasonable progress of school reform is repressed through a 
whole town, from the unwise experiment of an over-economical school 
district. 

Purchasers should remember the well established rule that the best 
articles are the cheapest, and should be satisfied, without the 
teaching of an unhappy experience, that it is true economy to buy the 
best goods at prices which allow the maker & fair profit. 

The manufacture of school furniture has heretofore been mainly con- 
fined to the East. In consequence of this, the schools of the West have 
either been compelled to use an inferior article, or be subjected to the 
annoyance of expense, delay and damage, caused by transportation 
from a distance. 

We invite the attention of school directors and those having school 
furnishing in charge, to our extensive assortment of furniture, believing 
that we can offer them facilities for a good supply of furniture at fair 
prices never before presented in the West. We thus hope to secure 
the patronage that investigation will prove we deserve. 



TO THE PUBLIC. 



TO THE PUBLIC. 



Having been for several years engaged in the manufacture and sale of 
school furniture, and from our limited facilities for manufacturing, being 
compelled to depend much upon eastern manufacture for our supply, 
and finding this source entirely inadequate to the wants of our customers, 
we have established in this city, a manufactory furnished with a steam 
engine and all necessary machinery, experienced workmen and every- 
thing essential to the production of first class work. 

We herewith present a variety of styles manufactured by us, and 
we cordially invite ail interested in school furniture, to call on us at 
our store, where samples can be seen. We shall be happy to give any 
information in our power to all who may desire it in regard to the 
arranging of desks and chairs. Every article of school furniture from 
our establishment will be warranted. 

Unless our customers especially request their furniture varnished, it 
will invariably be finished in oil, as it is thus neat in finish, and less 
liable to get marred and scratched. 



6 


SCALE OF HIGHTS. 






SCALE OF HIGHTS, 






(to order by.) 






FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS. 




For pupils 


from 6 to 8 years, Chairs 12 inches, front of Desk 21 inches. 




FOR INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS. 




For pupils from 8 to 10 years, Chairs 13 inches, front of Desk 23 inches. 
" " 10 to 12 " " 14 " " " 25 " 




FOR GRAMMAR SCHOOLS. 




For pupils 


from 12 to 14 years, Chairs 15 inches, front of desk 26 inches. 
14 to 17 " " 16 " " " 27 " 




FOR HIGH SCHOOLS. 




Chaies 17 


inches high, front of Desk 28 inches. 






SCALE OF LENGTH. 




Length of 


Primary Single Des 

1 1 Double ' 

Intermediate Single ' 

1 ' Double ' 

Grammar Single l 

1 ' Double ' 

High School Single ' 

" " Double ' 


>k, 1 foot 6 inches. 

1 3 feet. 

1 1 foot 10 inches. 

1 3 feet 4 " 

' 2 " 

' 3 " 8 inches. 

' 2 " 

i 4 u 




SHERWOOD'S COMBINATION 


DESKS, 


Are each 3 feet 6 inches long, and vary in hight from 12 to 16 inches. 



GENERAL NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS. 



GENERAL NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS. 



In ordering, state what hight of desks and chairs are wanted, ac- 
cording to schedule herewith presented, also the number required of 
each. # 

Be particular in stating by what route you wish the furniture shipped. 

Give a reasonable length of time to fill orders, as it is impossible at 
all times to keep a sufficient supply of such a variety of patterns, to 
furnish just what may be wanted without delay. "We however, intend 
always to keep a stock on hand. 

Our prices include our best Ink-well for all grammar and higher 
grade of desks. Also sufficient screws to put up the work, and fasten 
the same to the floor; also all will be packed in a portable manner, and 
delivered to any depot in this city, without extra charge. 
Address, 

GEO. & C. W. SHERWOOD, 

118 Lake St., Chicago. 



PUPILS' DESKS. 




No. 



Combination Desk and Seat. 



Attention is particularly called to this design of Combination Desk 
and Seat, as being tasteful, convenient, cheap, and durable. 

The stanchions, or end pieces, are iron, to which the wood work is 
fastened with screws, making the Desk convenient for shipping, as it 
can readily be put together. 

The expense of this Desk is but a trifle more than if made with 
clumsy wood ends, while it contains the essential requisites of a good 
desk and seat, being convenient to sweep around, and the shape of 
the end pieces allows the pupil to get in and out of his seat without 
difficulty. It is durable, and withal tasteful in its appearance. 

The standard length of this Desk is 3 feet 6 inches, for two pupils, 
and it is made of four different sizes, with seats from 12 to 16 inches 
high, to accommodate all grades of pupils — size A being the highest, 
then B, C, and D, graded in regular order. In addition, there is a 
Back and Seat, made to correspond with the others to place in the 
rear of the room, or for a recitation seat. The Desk is permanently 
fastened to the floor by means of screws. In grading, where different 
sizes are required in the same room, the smallest size should be placed 
in front, and the largest at the back of the room. Care should be 
taken, in ordering, to have all in each row across the room of the 
same size. 

This Desk is nicely finished — usually made of cherry — supplied 
with our Patent Ink Well, screws for fastening, all complete. 

For a large proportion of country school houses, where economy 
in seating is a desideratum, this will be found the most desirable 
style of desk made. 



CATALOGUE OF SCHOOL FURNITURE. 




No. 2 — Cincinnati or St. Louis Primary Double Desk. 

This is designed to be used in graded schools for small pupils. 
There are two sizes, seat each 10 and 12 inches high. They are 
cheap and substantial, and their construction allows pupils to stand 
without stepping into the aisles. 




No. 3 — Grammar Double Desk and Chairs. 

Two sizes, hight 26 and 27 inches, length of Desk 3 feet 8 inches, 
Chairs 15 and 16 inches. 



10 



CATALOGUE OF SCHOOL FURNITURE. 




No. 4 — Primary Single Desk and Chair. 

Hight of the front of Desk from floor 21 inches, Chair 12 inches, 
length of Desk 1 foot 6 inches. Accommodates pupils from 6 to 8 
years old. 




No. 5 — Primary Double Desk and Chairs. 

Hight of front of Desk 22 inches, Chairs 12 inches, length of Desk 
3 feet. 



CATALOGUE OF SCHOOL FURNITURE, 



11 




No. 6 — Intermediate Single Desk and Chair. 

Two sizes, hight 23 and 25 inches, length of Desk 1 foot 10 inches, 
Chairs 13 and 14 inches. For pupils from 8 to 12 years. 





WB 








No. 7 — Intermediate Double Desk and Chairs. 

Hight 23 and 25 inches, length of Desk 3 feet 4 inches, Chairs 13 
and 14 inches. 



12 



CATALOGUE OF SCHOOL FURNITURE. 




No. 8 — Grammar Single Desk and Chair. 

Two sizes, hight 26 and 27 inches, length of Desk 2 feet, Chairs 
15 and 16 inches. For pupils from 12 to 17 years. 




No. 9 — Grammar Double Desk and Chairs. 

Two sizes, hight 26 and 27 inches, length of Desk 3 feet 8 inches, 
Chairs 15 and 16 inches. 



CATALOGUE OF SCHOOL FURNITURE. 



13 




No. 10 — Collegiate Double Desk and Chairs. 



This is designed for colleges, high schools and seminaries. It has 
falls to raise, making a separate apartment for each scholar. The 
tops are made both plain and cloth covered. 




No. 11 — Teacher's Arm Chair. 



14 



CATALOGUE OF SCHOOL FURNITURE. 



RECITATION SEATS. 




No. 12 — Recitation Seat. 

This is one of our most desirable styles of Recitation Seat. High^ 
of seat 15 inches, made any length desired, standard length 8 feet. 




No. 13 — Recitation Seat. 
Two sizes, 10 and 12 inches high, standard length 8 feet. 



CATALOGUE OF SCHOOL FURNITURE. 



15 



TEACHERS' TABLES AND DESKS. 




No. 14 — Teacher's Table. 
Two Drawers, standard length 50 inches. 




No. 15 — Teacher's Desk. 
Two drawers and inclined top desk. 



16 



CATALOGUE OF SCHOOL FURNITURE. 




No. 16 — Teacher's Desk. 
Two drawers, inclined top desk or tray, supported on iron stanchions. 




No. 17 — Teacher's Desk. 
Two drawers and inclined top desk, iron stanchions. 



CATALOGUE OF SCHOOL FURNITURE. 



17 




No. 18 — Teacher's Desk. 
Four drawers and table top. 




No. 19 — Teacher's Desk. 
Four drawers, piano-shaped legs, table top. 



18 



CATALOGUE OF SCHOOL FURNITURE. 




No. 20 — Teacher's Desk. 
Eight drawer?, table top. 




No. 21 — Teacher's Desk. 
Five drawers and cupboard. 



PRICE LIST. 19 



PRICE LIST. 



No. 1 — Combination Desk 

No. 2 — Cincinnati, or St. Louis Primary Desk, 

No. 3 — Grammar Double Desk and Chairs 

No. 4 — Primary Single Desk and Chair 

No. 5 — Primary Double Desk and Chairs. 

No. 6 — Intermediate Single Desk and Chair. ... 

No. 7 — Intermediate Double Desk and Chairs . , 

No. 8 — Grammar Single Desk and Chair 

No. 9 — Grammar Double Desk and Chairs 

No. 10 — Collegiate Double Desk and Chairs. . . . 

No. 1 1 — Teacher's Arm Chair 

No. 12 — Recitation Seat 

No. 13 — Eecitation Seat , 

No. 14— Teacher's Table 

No. 15 — Teacher's Desk 

No. 16 — Teacher's Desk 

No. 17 — Teacher's Desk , 

No. 18 — Teacher's Desk 

No. 19 — Teacher's Desk , 

No. 20 — Teacher's Desk 

No. 21 — Teacher's Desk ' , 



G-. & H. M. SHERWOOD'S 




Explanation —Fig 1 represents a top view of the cover Fig. 2, a top view of the well without the cover 
Fig. 3, a bottom view of the covir. Fig. 4, an edue view of the cover. Fig. 5, a view of well complete. Fig. 
6, a key to screw on and unscrew cover The Ink Well (Viz. 5) is inserted in o the desk through a hole bored 
for the purpose, so tliat the flange, (which is of considerably larger diameter than the body,) rests upon the 
surface of the desk, and is secured in place by screws inserted in countersunk holes. The flange, of the well 
has turned down on its ou'tr edge a lip, which ah ne rests on the desk, leaving a space within, below the inte- 
rior part of the flange. This fpace is provided f r 1 tie pur] ose of allowing room in which pii s or studs pro- 
jecting downward from thehwer side of the cover may freelv mcve. The pit' shave enlarged end-, or hearts, 
(as seen in Fig. 4, and are first inserted fh' out h appertures made large i nough to admit them fitelyin the 
flange of the well, as represented in cut, (Fijr. 2.) Fr> m these appertures extend, concentrically in opposite 
directions, curved slots, just wideenoutrh to allow the necks of the pins to pass freely, (as seen in Fig. 2.) The 
lower edges of these slots have a sl'gbt inclinatii n downward from the appertures. so that as the cover is 
turned round the heads of the pins become w dged against the inclined surfaces, and draw the cover closely 
down upon the well on which it is made to fit tightly The cover is fastened by means of a key, (Fig. 6.) 

This new Well is simple, and it is confidently believed that, while it contains the combined 
excellencies of the best wells now in use, that it remedies the defects of all : 

1st. By this invention a very convenient, neat and secure fastening for the cover is 
produced which can only be removed with the key provided for it, which is to be kept 
by the teacher or janitor. 

2d. The Well itself, after being fastened by two common screws, never has to be 
r moved — the glass lining only being removed when necessary for cleaning, which can 
b'J done by unscrewing the cap with a simple turn of the key. 

3d. It will not get out of order, as by its simplicity of arrangement there is no lining 
to corrode. It cannot burst and spill the ink — and cannot be removed and lost by the 
pupils. 

4th. It can be used in the holes where other wells have been inserted. 
5th. It is -economical, as the expenditure for each pupil (where double desks are used,) 
ia but twelve .and a half cents for his whole school going time. 

Price of Ink Well per dozen, $3.C0, necessary keys furnished gratis. 



Address GEO. & C. W. SHERWOOD, 

118 Lake Street, Chicago. 



BLACKBOARDS. 21 



BLACKBOARDS. 



The necessity of an abundant supply of good blackboards is very 
generally undervalued. 

Hon. N. Batsman, Superintendant of Public Instruction in Illinois, 
in his report to the legislature, makes the following sensible remarks: 

11 A. zone of olazkooarding should extend continuously around the room, 
except where interrupted by doors and windows. It enables the 
teacher to exercise a whole class at once and maintain a constant 
supervision over their work. It more than doubles the time that 
can be given to the effective instruction of each class. It affords the 
means of occular illustration and demonstration, now demanded by 
the best methods of teaching in nearly every department of science. 
The use of them gives a pleasing variety to the exercises of the 
school, and promotes health by allowing frequent changes from a sit- 
ting to a standing posture. No school-room is prepared for its work 
without an ample supply of blackboard surface. It is a necessity. 
A painter might almost as well dispense with his canvas, or a sur- 
veyor with his compass and chain, as a teacher do without this 
essential part of school equipment." 

Holbbook's Liquid Slate makes the best and cheapest black- 
board of any material within our knowledge. This preparation is in 
the form of a liquid, put up in cans ready for use, and can be applied 
with a brush like paint, to a plaster hard-finish, or to wood or paper. 
It produces an excellent and permanent slate surface where applied. 
A quart will cover a surface of 50 to 75 square feet. 



22 



OBJECT FORMS. 



Forms and Solids for Object-Teaching, 




Triangle. 



Eight-angled Eqilateral Triangle. Isosceles 
Triangle. Triangle. 




Parallelogram or 

Rectangle. Trapezium. Ehomb. 



Rhomboid, 




Circle. Ring, Crescent Spherical Triangle. Oval 




Tetrahedron. Sphere. Hemisphere. 



Spheroid. 



REMARKS. 



23 



REMARKS. 



The preceding engravings represent our leading styles of Pupils' 
and Teachers' Desks, and Recitation Seats. "We, however, are prepared 
to manufacture and supply any other styles that may be desired ; also, 
Book Cases, of various designs, Blackboards, Map Backs, &c. 







After a School House is properly furnished with Seats and Desks 
then follows the indispensable requisite of School Apparatus. 
Send for our Illustrated Catalogue of School Apparatus. 



24 DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOL-HOUSES. 



PLANS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF SCHOOL HOUSES. 



Description of Plans foe School House No. 1. 

The floor plan (No. 1) and accompanying external view of same, 
are for a Country or Suburban School House,, and would cost, if built 
of wood, about $800, or if of brick, about $1,100, 

Referring to the letters on the plan, C, represents tlie main entrance 
vestibule ; A and B, the boys' and girls' wardrobes respectively ; D, 
main school-room ; G, teacher's platform ; E, coal or wood-room, as 
well as a side entrance for the boys ; F, teacher's closet. The main 
building should be not less than 21 feet wide, if of wood, or 22, if 
brick, by 35 feet long, and will afford sittings for 36 pupils. The 
flue, shown in the plan behind the platform, should be used for a 
smoke-flue and ventilation. The stove should stand in the large va- 
cant space at the left of the teacher's platform. 

It is designed 'to be seated with the Combination Desks, which are 
3|- feet long. The Desks occupy each a space of about 28 inches in 
width. The front edge of each desk is on a perpendicular line with 
the edge of each seat belonging to it. There should be a space or 
aisle between the ends of the desks of about two feet, and at least 2 
feet all around next the walls. The number of sittings may be in- 
creased to 50 or 60 by increasing the length of the building. 



DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOL-HOUSES. 



25 




Plan No. 1. 



A — Boys' "Wardrobe. 

B — Girls' Wardrobe. 

C— Vestibule. 

D — School-Room. 

E — Coal Room. 

y — Teacher's Closet. 

G — Teacher's Platform. 



26 



DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOL-HOUSES. 




DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOL-HOUSES. 27 



Description of Plan for School-House No. 2. 

This shows the plan only, there being no external view given, but 
it will readily be seen that if the wing, in the view No. 1, were 
left off, it could answer to this plan. The plan indicates a building 
about 28 by 40 feet. Eefering to the letters, we have C for an en- 
trance vestibule ; on eacn side of which are wardrobes A and B, for 
the girls and boys respectively ; D, the school-room proper ; E, teach- 
er's platform; F, F, recitation seats. This house has sittings for 
52 pupils, and may be increased by adding to the length of the house. 
The chimney is designed to be suspended over the inside entrance 
door, and the stove located at the left of the door. 

It is drawn to a scale of 12 feet to an inch, and by such a scale 
the dimensions of the several parts may be obtained. 

The desks here indicated are 3 feet 8 inches long, and should be 
set so as to leave the middle aisle 'l\ feet, the two aisles adjacent 2 
feet, and the outside ones at least 2\ feet wide. 

The walls of the school-room should be wainscoted with boards 
from the floor up 2 feet, in the vestibule 5 feet, and in the wardrobes 
1 feet high. The school-room should have a blackboard (see our 
Liquid Slate) above this wainscoting on all sides of the room, at least 
5 feet wide. ,_.. 



28 



DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOL-HOUSES. 




Plan No. 2. 



A — Girls' "Wardrobe. 
B — Boys 1 Wardrobe. 
C— Vestibule. 
D — School-Room. 
E — Teacher's Platform. 
F — Recitation Seats. 



DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOL-HOUSES. 29 



Plan of School-House No. 3. 

This is a plan of a house designed for a school district in one of 
the Western towns in this State, and when built is very unique in its 
appearance. Externally it is a building of considerable more preten- 
sions than Nos. 1 or 2. 

It is but one story high, yet does not look low. It has a beautiful 
little belfrey immediately over the front porch or vestibule, and is in 
many respects one of the prettiest houses, on a small scale, that there 
is in the country. Its extreme dimensions are about 36 by 48 feet, 
and is drawn to a scale of 1 6 feet to an inch, by which its several 
parts can readily be determined. It is calculated for 66 pupils 
at single desks. These desks are 18 inches long, and should have a space 
of about 2 feet between them, and the middle and outside aisles should 
be 2\ or 3 feet wide. 

Where strict economy is aimed at, these inside aisles may be re- 
duced to 20 inches, but it is much better that there should be ample 
room for teachers and pupils to move about freely without disturbing 
others. 

In this plan the arrangements are for a principal teacher and an 
assistant. With this number of pupils it would sometimes be deemed 
necessary not to employ two teachers, in whic% case the recita- 
tion-room might be dispensed with. It would however be better to 
increase the number of sittings by using double desks, so as to require 
two teachers, or else adopt a different plan similar to Nos. 1 or 2, but 
increased to larger dimensions. Referring to the letters, we find C, 
the vestibule; A and B, boys' and girls' wardrobes ; D, school-room; 
E, a room for philosophical apparatus, books, &c. ; F, recitation-room ; 
G, Gr, teachers' platforms ; and H, teacher's closet. This main room 
should be 15 or 16 feet high, but a little less might answer. 



30 



DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOL-HOUSES. 




Plan No. 3. 



A — G-irls 1 "Wardrobe. 

B — Boys' Wardrobe. 

C— Vestibule. 

D — School- Room. 

E — Philosophical Apparatus Room. 

F — Recitation Room. 

G, G — Teacher's Platforms. 

H— Teacher's Closet. 



DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOL-HOUSES. 31 



Description of Sycamore School House. 
(See following page.) 

The annexed cut is a view of the new and elegant school-house 
recently erected at Sycamore, in this State, and is, par excellence, one 
of the finest buildings of its kind in this section of the country. 

It is built of wood, in the most thorough and substantial manner, 
having been built entirely by days' works, and cost the moderate sum 
of $14,000. 

It has four school-rooms in each of the first two stories, each of 
which will accommodate 65 scholars, or 520 in all. 

Besides this, it has a large hall in the upper or attic story, where 
the entire school may be assembled for general exercises. This hall 
may -be used for a school-room, there being two recitation-rooms 
attached, whereby the capacity of the building would be increased to 
about 700 pupils. 

The design for this building, and also the preceding ones, Nos. 
1, 2 and 3, were made by Gr. P. Randall, architect, of this city, a gen- 
tlemen to whom this section of the country is probably more largely in- 
debted for improvements in the architecture of its public school build- 
ings, colleges, and seminaries of learning than to any other. Mr. 
Randall was architect for all the latest and best school buildings in 
this city, including "Haven," "The Newberry, and "The Skinner." 
He was the designer and superintending architect of the State Normal 
University at Bloomington, in this State, and numerous other buildings 
for collegiate purposes in this and adjoining States. To all who desire 
the services of a good school-house architect, who throughly under- 
stands his business, we would recommend Mr. Randall as superior to 
any within our acquaintance. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



002 343 575 5 



